We often discuss how insufficient Yang Qi can lead to the internal generation of cold dampness, resulting in a variety of ailments. Today, let’s take a look at a tongue diagnosis sent by a fan, which is a typical representation of insufficient Yang Qi in the body, specifically Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency, a common condition in daily life.
First, let’s examine his tongue: it is enlarged, with a white greasy coating, a pale body, and a very moist surface, with noticeable tooth marks on the edges. You can refer to this and see if you have similar symptoms.
This fan mentioned that he often feels as if he is carrying a heavy burden, feeling particularly fatigued and very sensitive to cold. His legs feel heavy and cold, often accompanied by edema, a foggy mind, and digestive issues; he cannot eat anything cold, as it causes abdominal pain and diarrhea. His sexual health is also poor, often experiencing difficulties in arousal.
This situation indicates a severe deficiency of Yang Qi in the body, leading to an accumulation of cold dampness. First, the deficiency of Spleen Yang results in poor transformation and transportation of food and fluids, leading to the generation of excessive dampness. We know that dampness is also a type of pathogenic factor, which further damages our Yang Qi, especially the Mingmen fire (命门之火) and true Yang of the Kidney (肾中真阳). Once these are compromised, all the organs can generate internal Yin cold. Our Qi and blood circulation becomes obstructed, leading to various health issues gradually surfacing.
Therefore, patients with Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency must be treated promptly. Today, I will share a time-honored formula for dispelling cold and warming Yang, known as Zhen Wu Tang (真武汤), which was created by the medical sage Zhang Zhongjing.
This formula consists of five medicinal ingredients: Fu Zi (附子, Aconite), Bai Zhu (白术, White Atractylodes), Fu Ling (茯苓, Poria), Sheng Jiang (生姜, Fresh Ginger), and Shao Yao (芍药, Peony). Among them, the hot and sweet Fu Zi serves as the monarch herb, primarily functioning to warm the Kidney and assist Yang, greatly tonifying the true Yang of the Kidney. It also helps to transform and disperse the accumulated dampness and cold in the body. Fu Ling and Bai Zhu act as minister herbs; one promotes urination and drains dampness, while the other has warming and drying effects, together assisting the monarch herb in expelling the existing dampness through urination.
Next, Sheng Jiang has the characteristics of warming and dispersing, which can warm the Spleen and Stomach while assisting Fu Zi in warming Yang, thoroughly expelling the cold from the body. Lastly, Shao Yao, which is slightly cold in nature, can moderate the heat of Fu Zi and Sheng Jiang to prevent excessive dryness; on the other hand, it has the effect of soothing the meridians and alleviating abdominal pain. The combination of these herbs can both replenish the Yang Qi and promote the flow of Qi and dampness, ensuring smooth meridian function. Many friends, due to insufficient Yang Qi and the presence of phlegm-damp obstruction, often feel as if they have persistent phlegm stuck in their throat. In such cases, Chen Pi (陈皮, Dried Tangerine Peel) and Ban Xia (半夏, Pinellia) can be added to enhance the phlegm-resolving and damp-dispelling effects. If there is blood stasis, such as frequent bruising or the presence of cysts, Hong Hua (红花, Safflower) and Chuan Xiong (川芎, Ligusticum) can be added to increase the blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects.
That concludes today’s content. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention first, and after a proper diagnosis, proceed with treatment. Do not use medications blindly. See you next time!